What to do in Spennymoor, Durham County

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As part of my new commitment to concentrate on the northeast of England and challenge the old cliché of the age that it is gloomy to the north, it would be rude to not start as local as possible answering the question that not many people do; What should I do in Spennymoor, Durham County?

Spennymoor is my hometown adopted. Being a RAF boy, I am not really ‘from’ anywhere, but if they asked me the question, Lincoln would always say. I lived there for 8 years of my life, the longest I have lived anywhere, although it is closely followed by York and Stamford at 7 years per piece. Fast advance until February 2017, I moved to Spennymoor before traveling in Australia and Southeast Asia. Now I bought a house with my wife and puppy and, for the moment, at least, this is where I call home.

I can’t imagine that many people have heard of Spennymoor. Well, it is a small town a few miles south of the beautiful city of Durham that, like many places in northern England, was essentially built on the back of the mining industry. Like many old mining cities, at least there is, at least, much to that, much to whom you visit Spennymoor. High Street has seen the closure of renowned stores and the demolished pubs for new supermarkets, but, perhaps now more than ever, it is time to support local businesses, coffees and local bars and perhaps in future cities like this will prosper again.

What could surprise you from Spennymoor is how in a matter of minutes you can be transported to a beautiful field with a view to Durham’s valleys and is a short distance from Durham and the coast of the heritage. I will not pretend that you will visit Spennymoor on purpose if you are not from the area, but, with the approach of all changing to its local area, it is surprising what you see when you look for it.

Then, let’s go directly to the grain and see what are the best things that are in Spennymoor, Durham County.

The best things to do in Spennymoor, Durham County

Eat and drink at the Gut Cafe

This has to be the most great place in Spennymoor; Exactly what the area has needed for a few years. The routine makes an exceptional meal for brunch and for those long summer days, such as strawberry bruschetta, Nutella pancakes and exchange tables full of meats and cheeses. The cocktails are also great and you can even have beer pints from the local cave caps. Ah, and don’t miss the stuffed cookies, they are unreal!

Look at the routine on Instagram here.

Take an ice cream from Sweet Rose Ice Cream Parlor

I am currently in a small mission to find the best places to eat ice cream in the northeast and where it is better to start than literally a few minutes from my main door. Here is a large selection of flavors and I love the Mayhem Minion (some kind of fruity vanilla) absolutely perfect for a summer day. As long as you are here, why not try a shake too (treat yourself)?

See the deer at the Whitworth Hall hotel

Unfortunately, Whitworth Hall Hotel is currently closed due to the impact that COVID-19 has had on business. However, if the business, hopefully, must open again, must go see the deer surrounding the hotel. For only £ 2, you could get some food and feed and feed the deer yourself while admiring the beautiful lands of the hotel.

*July 2022: I think the company has bought Whitworth Hall Hotel behind Newton Hall and Le Petit Chateau. All I can say is that this will be taken to another level!

Durham Mining Art and Museum Art Gallery

It is not the biggest, but when it is in Spennymoor, it is definitely worth a trip to the free art gallery and the Mining Museum to really give an idea of the history of the local area.

Norman Cornish Trail

Prepared to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Norman Cornish, a path carries it through Spennymoor to follow the steps of this famous artist and see the locations of some of his most iconic works. In 2019, I took the time to walk along the path with my camera and you can see more information and see more photos here.

THE HOUSE OF THE AX

Forget the bowling, throw axes is where it is now. Everyone loves a little healthy competition and when you combine that with axes, what is not loving? This place is really great, full of graffiti and even has lanes under UV light for that not extra peculiarity. Check the Ax House here.

Look Spennymoor Town FC in the Cervecería field

I will be honest, I am a fan of Preston North End and, before Covid, I would make sure to make the trip through the A66 and in the M6 several times per season to see my team play; There is no greater joy than a few pints and a football match. Middlesbrough is the only team in the northeast currently in the championship, so I also love a visitor game there.

When fans are allowed to return to the land, and the new season of the North National League begins in August, I will definitely go to support my local team, Spennymoor Town FC.

Jubilee park

Jubilee Park opened in 1889 to celebrate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria and is a lovely place to relax and relax unless you like the skate, so you can take advantage of the skate park. There is a music kiosk with concerts in the summer, bowling bowling, crazy golf, tennis courts and a lot of grass for picnics.

Explore the field on public trails

One of my favorite things to do at this time is to take a map of artillery surveys and draw a random route by joining public trails together. It is an excellent way to slow down and go to the field. In Spennymoor, I love walks around Tudhoe, to Ferryhill through the Natural Reserve and through the planting of cows.

In 15 minutes

At 15 minutes of Spennymoor, you will find absolutely charges to do; There really is something for everyone around. However, I will keep it brief and I will only choose some of my favorites. Remember also, if you travel so a little more, you can be on the coast of Durham Heritage or on the northern peninos at no time.

Brancepeth Castle

What finding was this! A few miles from my entrance door is the beautiful and picturesque town of Brancepeth and, get this, a huge medieval castle. The castle was owned by the Neville family, who also owned Raby Castle, not far. My opinion is that if this town were in the cotswolds or in a known place, one of the most beautiful villages in the country would be considered. Brancepeth Castle is now a private family home, but hopefully the tours will restart this summer. Given how good this castle is seen from the outside, I am sure that it will be so impressive once inside.

Roman Binchester

Not far from Spennymoor is Hadrian’s wall, the northernmost limit of the Roman Empire, which is an incredible view to see. It is believed that the strong Roman in Binchester (wine) was built to protect the famous crossing of the Dere Street street. For history lovers, seeing the ruins and imagining how life could have been is a must, especially considering that this was the greatest Roman strong of all Durham County.

Durham

Possibly the best thing about Spennymoor is that it is just a short trip from the city of Durham. Bill Bryson (one of my favorite travel writers) described Durham as a “little perfect city.” While there is no doubt that the main street of Durham, along with many other cities, including York, has been decimated (especially now thanks to Covid), Durham should still be on the list of all those seen in the area. Obviously, Durham’s cathedral is the great batter that rises over the city, but there are also many places to eat and drink. Durham is definitely a city in the continuous construction of the Milburngate area and the new Riverwalk with cozy club and the food well some of the places offered.

Hardwick Park

Hardwick Park is a lovely Country Park on the outskirts of Sedgefield in the A177 that is definitely worth visiting for a vagabond by the lake, especially if he has a dog or has children. The park dates back to the 18th century and was designed to look completely natural; Something a bit different from the formal gardens of the time. Unfortunately, the farm did not do so well and everything required much more recent renewal. The buildings disappeared sadly with some of the Gothic ruins that are completely rebuilt.

Having taken the time to start writing some things that can be done in Spennymoor and very close, I am really impressed with what is offered. It is not bad for the first publication challenging the cliché that it is gloomy in the north. Just wait until you see what else I have in the store. Spoiler alert; It is really not gloomy in the north. It is very charming.